MyNorth News Service

(Press Release provided by Michigan Snowsports Industries Association)

MICHIGAN: Ski areas and resorts across Michigan want to give kids an opportunity to get out, have fun and get healthy this winter. That’s why they have created the “Cold is Cool” Ski & Ride Passport. All fourth and fifth-grade kids who apply for a passport can ski for free, up to three times, at each of the 30 participating ski areas.

Steve Kershner, MSIA chairman and director of snow sports at Shanty Creek Resorts, says that when a child is in the fourth or fifth grade, they are at the perfect age to learn to ski or snowboard. “They have the coordination and enthusiasm to pick up the sport quickly,” he says.

In order for children to use the free lift or trail pass coupons, a paying adult must accompany them. “We feel that fourth and fifth graders should be supervised by an adult while on the slopes and trails. Our intention is to make this a fun, affordable and safe activity for the entire family,” says Mickey MacWilliams, MSIA executive director. Up to two kids with Passports can ski free with each paying adult.

The Passport is valid through April 30, or the end of the 2015/16 ski season.

Applications for the Cold is Cool Passport are available at participating Michigan McDonald’s restaurants, ski shops and online at goskimichigan.com. Although the skiing is free, MSIA charges a $20 printing and shipping fee for each passport ordered.

In addition to the lift tickets donated by the participating ski areas, the Cold is Cool Passport also includes coupons for 20% off a helmet purchase and $20 off a purchase of $100 at over 50 participating ski shops. Some ski areas have also included coupons for equipment rental and free or discounted lessons.

Participating ski areas:

Upper Peninsula: Big Powderhorn, Bessemer (906) 932-4838; Blackjack Ski Resort, Bessemer, (906) 229-5115; Indianhead Mountain Resort, Wakefield, 1-800-346-3426; Marquette Mountain, Marquette, 800-944-7669; Mont Ripley. Hancock, (906) 487-2340; Mt. Zion, Ironwood, (906) 932-4231 ext. 269; Norway Mountain, Norway, (906) 282-9105; Pine Mountain, Iron Mountain (906) 774-2747; Porcupine Mountain, Ontonagon, (231) 885-5209.

Northwestern Lower Peninsula:  Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs, 1-855-688-7022; Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls, 1-855-688-7024; Caberfae Peaks, Cadillac, (231) 862-3000; Cross Country Ski Headquarters, Roscommon, 1-800-832-2663; Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville, 1-888-968-7686; The Homestead, Glen Arbor, (231) 334-5000; Mt. Holiday, Traverse City, (231) 938-2500; Nubs Nob, Harbor Springs, 1-800-SKI-NUBS; Shanty Creek Resorts, Bellaire, 1-800-678-4111.

North Central Lower Peninsula: Hanson Hills, Grayling, (989) 348-9266; Otsego Club & Resort, Gaylord, 1-800-752-5510; Snow Snake Ski & Golf, Harrison, (989) 539-6583; Treetops Resort, Gaylord, 1-866-348-5249.

West Central Lower Peninsula: Cannonsburg Ski Area, Belmont, (616) 874-6711; Mulligan’s Hollow, Grand Haven, (616) 842-0634.

East Central Lower Peninsula: Apple Mountain, Freeland, 1-888-781-6789.

Southwestern Lower Peninsula: Swiss Valley Ski Area, Jones, (269) 244-5635; Timber Ridge Ski Area Gobles, 1-800-253-2928.

Southeastern Lower Peninsula:  Alpine Valley Ski Area, White Lake, (248) 887-2180; Mt. Brighton, Brighton, (810) 229-9581; Mt. Holly, Holly, (248) 634-8269.

The “Cold is Cool” Fourth & Fifth Grade Ski & Ride Passport is one of the elements of MSIA’s “Cold is Cool” program, which is dedicated to improving the health of the children in Michigan by offering winter outdoor activities for all kids and their families. The Cold is Cool activities are endorsed by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and they qualify for First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign.

The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) was formed in 1990 to speak with one voice for the state ski industry, increase awareness of snowsports and introduce new individuals to skiing and snowboarding in Michigan.


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Photo(s) by Mt. Brighton